Client Stories

Partnering Brings Saving Circle to Villa Rosa

For over 100 years, Villa Rosa has been a safe haven for pregnant women, many of whom carry the burden of a difficult past.

Rebecca Budyk is the coordinator for the post-natal house where new moms live with their babies and adjust to life with a newborn. Rebecca works closely with these moms to build life and employment skills, and to support them through the transition to independent living.

As a member of SEED’s Asset_Builders_ Partnership, Villa Rosa provides the Saving Circle program to many of its residents. “Saving Circle is a very natural fit for us,” explains Rebecca. “Many of our girls and women are used to thinking day-to-day, hour-to-hour. This program helps the women focus on a positive future.”

Many residents save for furniture that they can use after leaving Villa Rosa. Rebecca stresses how empowering the program is for residents. “One mom saved and bought a bedroom set. She was so proud of herself. Most of our residents have never saved – they’ve never seen their parents save. Being a mom, their goals are different. They want to do better by their kids than they had growing up.”

Most of our residents have never saved – they’ve never seen their parents save. Being a mom, their goals are different. They want to do better by their kids than they had growing up.

Eighteen-year-old Brandy is from Nelson House, Manitoba, and came to Villa Rosa last year to provide a safe and nurturing environment while she prepared to give birth to her daughter, Isabella. Brandy is saving to purchase living room furniture, and credits the Saving Circle in helping her to set goals for her spending. “I used to feel worried,” she explains. “Now I feel more at ease because I know where my money is going.”

SEED also provides workshops on Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). Brandy has set up an RESP for Isabella and is proud that she already has a good amount saved. “It makes me feel better having it for her. Even though I may be able to get band funding, this will be extra money for her. It’s back-up.”

Brandy, who turns 19 in October, is looking forward to life in Winnipeg. “There are better supports here, and I can set myself on a good track,” she explains. “I have one course to graduate high school, and then I want to go into nursing.”